Method and apparatus for standardization of a measuring instrument

ABSTRACT

A method, a portable device and a measuring instrument for standardization of a satellite measuring instrument to a corresponding master measuring instrument are disclosed. The portable device includes a device for containing a reference material, and an information unit for storing information about the reference material and measurements of the reference material on the master measuring instrument. When placed in a satellite measuring instrument, information from the master instrument stored in the information unit of the portable device is transmitted automatically and wirelessly to the satellite instrument and, together with measurements by the satellite instrument of the reference material in the portable device, a standardization model for the satellite instrument and the sample type is obtained.

[0001] The present application hereby claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119 on Swedish patent application number SE 0202780-3 filed Sep. 19,2002, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a portable device anda method for standardization of a satellite measuring instrument to acorresponding master measuring instrument.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Spectral measuring, or analytical instruments, like Near InfraredReflection (NIR) and Near Infrared Transmission (NIT) instruments, arewidely used in e.g. the food industry or in agriculture to analyse thecomposition and nutritive value of foods and of crops such as forages.For example, the amount of constituents such as crude protein, fat, andcarbohydrates may be determined by spectral analysis.

[0004] Direct analyses of e.g. a sample of rice on two spectral analysisinstruments of the same design will probably produce somewhat differentresults. The differences may be due to manufacturing variability andinstability of the instruments.

[0005] In order to obtain comparable results when analysing the samesample on several spectral analyzers of the same design, the instrumentsare standardized. Thus, after standardization, the analytical resultsfrom each of several “satellite” instruments, i.e. instruments locatedat different measurement sites, are corrected so that they correspond tothe analytical results from a “master” instrument.

[0006] In this standardization procedure, a so called “standardizationcup” containing a reference material is usually used. Thisstandardization cup is hermetically sealed so that the quality of thereference material is maintained over a long period of time. Firstly,the reference material is analysed using the master instrument. Theresult from this analysis, in the form of a “master” spectrum of thereference material, is stored on a disc together with informationidentifying the reference material and information identifying themaster instrument.

[0007] Thereafter, this disc and the standardization cup are sent to auser of a satellite instrument. The standardization cup is then put intothe satellite instrument and the disc is inserted into a computerconnected to the satellite instrument. The reference material is thenanalysed by the satellite instrument whereby a “satellite” spectrum forthe sample is produced. This satellite spectrum is then compared to themaster spectrum on the disc by means of a software program on thecomputer. If the satellite spectrum differs from the master spectrum,which is usually the case, the program produces a standardization modelwhich mathematically transforms the satellite spectrum to correspond tothe master spectrum. The standardization model is then stored on thecomputer and may be used to transform the results of future routineanalyses on the satellite instrument for samples of the same type ofmaterial as the reference material.

[0008] A problem with this known standardization procedure is that thereis always a risk that a disc with “standardization” information relatingto a specific reference material is lost, or worse, is confused withsome other standardization disc for another reference material. Theconsequences of lost standardization discs are delayed or cancelledstandardizations. The consequence of confusion as to the identity ofstandardization discs is error in predicted values for all routinesamples measured on that satellite instrument, at least until the nexttime the satellite instrument is standardized.

[0009] For a standard routine analysis, where the composition of anunknown sample (e.g. grain from a process line) is to be analysed, anoperator puts the sample into a sample cup and the sample cup into the(satellite) instrument. Then the operator enters information about thesample type (grain etc.) on the computer, chooses from a data base onthe computer an appropriate standardization model and a prediction modelto be applied to the sample and starts the analysis of the sample by theinstrument. During the analysis, a spectrum of the sample material iscollected, standardized and has a prediction model applied to it inorder to translate this standardized spectrum to predictions of chemicalcomposition. It is desirable that routine analysis of samples is moreautomated, so that mistakes due to “the human factor” may be eliminatedand the procedure may be quicker. With the existing system there isalways a risk of having erroneous prediction values if the operatorchooses the wrong standardization model or prediction model.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An objective of an embodiment of the present invention is toprovide an improved method for standardization of a satellite measuringinstrument to a corresponding master measuring instrument.

[0011] A particular objective of an embodiment of the invention is toprovide increased security of the standardization procedure.

[0012] Another objective of an embodiment of the present invention is toprovide an improved method for obtaining a standardized result when byroutine measuring a sample material by means of a satellite measuringinstrument.

[0013] Another particular objective of an embodiment of the invention isto facilitate a higher level of automation of both the standardizationprocedure and the procedure for routine analysis of a sample material.

[0014] For achieving at least some of these, and other objectives, aportable device according to an embodiment of the invention, a measuringinstrument according to an embodiment of the invention, a method ofmanaging information according to an embodiment of the invention, amethod for standardization of a satellite measuring instrument accordingto an embodiment of the invention, a method for obtaining a standardizedresult according to an embodiment of the invention, and a cup accordingto an embodiment of the invention, are provided.

[0015] More particularly, according to an embodiment of the invention, aportable device for standardization of a satellite measuring instrumentto a corresponding master measuring instrument comprises a means forcontaining a reference material, and an information unit for storinginformation about the reference material and about measurements of thereference material on the master measuring instrument. By physicallybinding the standardization information together with the referencematerial in one “portable device”, the risk of choosing the wrongstandardization information, or losing the information, is as good aseliminated. Thus, the portable device should here be seen as a singleunit device. The portable device may comprise a standardization cup asmentioned above, whith an information unit in the form of a chipattached to it.

[0016] In one embodiment of an embodiment of the invention, theinformation further is about said master measuring instrument. Thereby,the master measuring instrument may be identified by means of theinformation, which e.g. could comprise serial number, model number etc.of the master measuring instrument.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, said information unit isphysically attached to said means for containing said referencematerial. This could be the case if the portable device, as suggestedabove, comprises a standardization cup with a chip attached to it.

[0018] In another embodiment, said information unit comprises a storagemeans for storing said information. Such a storage means may be in theform of an Electrical Eraseable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM),or some other type of appropriate memory circuit. Since digital memoriescan be made very small today and still have large storing capacity, amemory may preferably be comprised in the information unit.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, saidinformation unit further comprises means for transmitting saidinformation to said satellite measuring instrument. By means of sucharranged transmitting means being part of the information unit, theinformation may easily be loaded into the satellite measuring instrumentfor enabling the standardization procedure.

[0020] According to another embodiment, said means for transmitting saidinformation is arranged for wireless data transfer. This is advantageoussince no “plugging in” is then needed in order to transmit theinformation to the satellite measuring instrument.

[0021] According to yet another embodiment, said means for transmittingsaid information comprises a radio frequency identifier. A radiofrequency identifier of today allows wireless non-contact reading and isrelatively cheap, may have a robust construction and may include readand write electronic storage technology.

[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, said information aboutthe reference material comprises identification of said referencematerial. Thus, the reference material can be identified and theidentification information may be stored together with thestandardization model to be produced for that specific type of material.

[0023] In another embodiment, said information about the referencematerial further comprises an expiry date of said reference material.Thereby, the risk that measurements are made on an old, degradedreference material may be eliminated.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the invention, saidinformation about measurements of the reference material on the masterinstrument comprises a reference spectrum. A reference spectrum may beused to standardize a satellite instrument in the form of a spectralanalysis instrument.

[0025] According to one embodiment, said reference spectrum is withinthe entire electro-magnetic wavelength range.

[0026] According to another embodiment, said reference spectrum iswithin the visible and infrared wavelength interval. Common spectralanalysis instruments like e.g. NIR and NIT instruments work within thiswavelength interval.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, said reference spectrum ismeasured by means of said master measuring instrument being a visibleand near infrared reflection measuring instrument.

[0028] In another embodiment of the invention, said reference spectrumis measured by means of said master measuring instrument being a visibleand near infrared transmission measuring instrument.

[0029] In one embodiment, said means for containing said referencematerial is hermetically sealable. Thereby, the quality of the referencematerial may be maintained over a long period of time.

[0030] In another embodiment, said means for containing said referencematerial allows visible and near infrared reflection measurements ofsaid reference material being contained in said means for containingsaid reference material. This may be achieved by means of a window to achamber of said means for containing said reference material.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, said means for containing saidreference material allows visible and near infrared transmissionmeasurements of said reference material being contained in said meansfor containing said reference material. This may be achieved by means oftwo windows to a chamber of said means for containing said referencematerial.

[0032] According to the invention, a measuring instrument for routinemeasurement of a sample material comprises a receiving means forreceiving a sample container containing said sample material, a meansfor measuring said sample material when said sample container is locatedin said receiving means, and a means for reading information from aninformation unit of a portable device containing a reference materialwhen said portable device is located in said receiving means. Byproviding the measuring instrument with a means for reading informationfrom an information unit of a portable device according to above,standardization information regarding the reference material mayquickly, simply and safely be transferred to the measuring instrumentand used to produced a standardization model for such material.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, said means forreading information is arranged to read said information wirelessly.This is advantageous because the information unit does not need to bephysically connected to the measuring instrument, whereby the reading ofthe information gets even more quick and simple.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the invention, saidinformation is about said reference material and measurements of saidreference material on a master measuring instrument corresponding tosaid measuring instrument. Such information allows standardization ofthe measuring instrument to be made.

[0035] According to another embodiment, said information further isabout said master measuring instrument. Thereby, e.g. the specific typeof the master measuring instrument may be identified.

[0036] According to yet another embodiment, said means for measuringsaid sample material is arranged to automatically start measuring onsaid reference material when said portable device is located in saidreceiving means. This makes both routine analyses and the procedure ofstandardizing measuring instruments faster and easier.

[0037] In another embodiment of the invention, said means for readinginformation from said information unit of said portable device isarranged to automatically start reading said information when saidportable device is located in said receiving means. This too may makeboth routine analyses and the procedure of standardizing measuringinstruments faster and easier.

[0038] In another embodiment, said means for reading said informationcomprises a radio frequency identification reader. As mentioned above,Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology allows wireless readingwhile being relatively cheap and robust.

[0039] In another embodiment, said measuring instrument is a visible andnear infrared reflection measuring instrument.

[0040] In yet another embodiment, said measuring instrument is a visibleand near infrared transmission measuring instrument.

[0041] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method ofmanaging information, obtained by means of a master measuringinstrument, regarding a reference material for standardization of asatellite measuring instrument comprises

[0042] storing said information in an information unit which is a partof a portable device which also comprises a means for containing saidreference material,

[0043] transporting said portable device from said master measuringinstrument to said satellite measuring instrument, and

[0044] transmitting said information from said information unit of saidportable device to said satellite measuring instrument.

[0045] This inventive method of managing information regarding areference material increases the security of the information management,so that the risk of choosing the wrong standardization information, orlosing the information, is as good as eliminated.

[0046] According to another aspect of the invention, a method forstandardization of a satellite measuring instrument to a correspondingmaster measuring instrument comprises

[0047] measuring, by means of said satellite measuring instrument, areference material being contained in a means for containing saidreference material of a portable device,

[0048] reading, by means of said satellite measuring instrument,information about a corresponding measurement, obtained by means of saidmaster measuring instrument, from an information unit which is a part ofsaid portable device, and

[0049] producing and storing a standardization model describing adifference between the result of said action of measuring said referencematerial and said corresponding measurement obtained by means of saidmaster measuring instrument.

[0050] As mentioned above, this standardization model allows thesatellite measuring result, for example in the form of a spectrum, to bemathematically transformed to correspond to the master measurement. Thestandardization model may be seen as a way of converting the satellitemeasuring result into a standardized measuring result.

[0051] According to the invention, by reading the information from aninformation unit which is a part of said portable device, thestandardization procedure can be made faster and more secure.

[0052] According to one embodiment of this inventive method, saidinformation further is about said reference material and said mastermeasuring instrument.

[0053] According to another embodiment, said method is performed by thehelp of an external computer. Thereby, less “intelligent” satellitemeasuring intruments may be standardized.

[0054] According to yet another embodiment, said action of producing andstoring said standardization model is performed by means of saidexternal computer.

[0055] In one embodiment of said inventive method, said method isperformed automatically when said portable device is located in areceiving means of said satellite measuring instrument. This makes theprocedure of standardizing the satellite measuring instrument faster andeasier, requiring less measures to be taken by a user.

[0056] In another embodiment, said satellite measuring instrument is avisible and near infrared reflection measuring instrument.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, said satellite measuring instrument isa visible and near infrared transmission measuring instrument.

[0058] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, amethod for obtaining a standardized result when by routine measuring asample material by means of a satellite measuring instrument, such thatthe difference between said result and the result that would have beenobtained if the sample material had been measured by means of acorresponding master measuring instrument is minimized, comprises

[0059] measuring, by means of said satellite measuring instrument, saidsample material being contained in a means for containing said samplematerial of a portable device,

[0060] reading, by means of said satellite measuring instrument,information from an information unit, which is a part of said portabledevice, wherein said information comprises information of the identityof the type of said sample material,

[0061] selecting the correct standardization model according to saidinformation of the identity of the type of said sample material fromamongst at least a few standardization models stored in at least one ofthe satellite instrument and an external computer connected to thesatellite measuring instrument, and

[0062] applying said standardization model to the spectrum of saidsample material so that a standardized spectrum of said sample materialis produced that is essentially identical to the spectrum that wouldhave been obtained by means of said master measuring instrument.

[0063] According to this inventive method, the inventive portable devicemay be used also for obtaining a standardized result when by routinemeasuring a sample material by means of a satellite measuringinstrument. The inventive method makes standardized routine measurementsfaster, easier and more secure.

[0064] In one embodiment of this inventive method, said reading of saidinformation is made wirelessly.

[0065] In another embodiment, said information of the identity of thetype of said sample material further is used to select the correctprediction model from amongst at least a few prediction models stored inat least one of said satellite measuring instrument and said externalcomputer.

[0066] As mentioned above, a prediction model is used to translate, ormathematically convert, the spectral information into analyticalinformation, i.e. information in the form of chemical quantities. Hence,the prediction model may be seen as a way of converting the spectralinformation into analytical information.

[0067] In another embodiment, said method further comprises applyingsaid prediction model to said standardized spectrum of said samplematerial in order to obtain the desired analytical result for saidsample material that is essentially identical to the result that wouldhave been obtained by means of said master measuring instrument.

[0068] According to another embodiment, said method is performedautomatically when said portable device is located in a receiving meansof said satellite measuring instrument.

[0069] According to yet another embodiment, said satellite measuringinstrument is a visible and near infrared reflection measuringinstrument.

[0070] According to yet another embodiment, said satellite measuringinstrument is a visible and near infrared transmission measuringinstrument.

[0071] According to the invention, a cup for receiving and containing amaterial to analyse supports a chip for storing information about saidmaterial and for wirelessly transmitting said information to ameasurement instrument for measuring said material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] The present invention will now be described in more detail withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0073]FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic view of one embodiment of aportable device according to the invention;

[0074]FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic view illustrating the interactionbetween one embodiment of a measuring instrument according to theinvention and a portable device as shown in FIG. 1;

[0075]FIG. 3 is a more detailed schematic perspective view of anotherembodiment of a measuring instrument according to the invention;

[0076]FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of aportable device according to the invention;

[0077]FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of an embodiment ofa method according to the invention for standardization of a satellitemeasuring instrument to a corresponding master measuring instrument; and

[0078]FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of an embodiment ofa method according to the invention for obtaining a standardized resultwhen routinely measuring a sample material by means of a satellitemeasuring instrument.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0079]FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a portable device 10 according tothe invention.

[0080] The portable device 10 comprises a means for containing areference or sample material 11, here in the form of a container 12defining a chamber 13 for containing the material 11. The container 12may be arranged to allow spectral measurements, such as e.g. visible andnear infrared reflection and/or transmission measurements, of thematerial 11 while the material 11 is contained in the chamber 13. InFIG. 1 is shown an analysis window 17 of the portable device 10 throughwhich visible and near infrared reflection measurements can be made. Inorder to allow also visible and near infrared transmission measurements,the portable device 10 may be provided with another analysis window (notshown) on the opposite side of the chamber 13.

[0081] The inventive portable device 10 further comprises an informationunit 14, which is supported by the container 12, and which includes astorage means, here in the form of a memory 15, for storing informationregarding the material. The memory 15 may be an Electrical EraseableProgrammable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), or some other type ofappropriate memory circuit.

[0082] The information unit 14 also includes a means for transmittingthe information to a measuring instrument or to an external computerconnected to a measuring instrument, which means for transmitting hereis in the form of a transmitter 16 being arranged for wireless datatransfer.

[0083]FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a measuring instrument according tothe invention, here in the form of a spectral analysis instrument 20,e.g. a visible and near infrared reflection and/or transmissionmeasuring instrument, and a portable device 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Theportable device 10 in FIG. 2 is located upon a receiving means 21 of thespectral analysis instrument 20, where a material 11 inside the chamber13 of the container 12 may be presented for a means for measuring thematerial 11, here in the form of a detector 22 of the spectral analysisinstrument 20.

[0084] The inventive measuring instrument further comprises a means,here a reader (or receiver) 23, for wirelessly reading the informationfrom the information unit 14 of the portable device 10.

[0085] The communication between the transmitter 16 of the informationunit 14 and the reader 23 may be wireless, whereby no physicalconnection would be needed in order to transmit the information storedin the memory 15 of the information unit 14 to the spectral analysisinstrument 20. The wireless communication may be implemented accordingto any common protocol for wireless data transfer, for example IEEE802.11 or Bluetooth, or, preferably, in a more simple way according toany standard for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).

[0086] The measuring instrument may be arranged so that it automaticallystarts measuring the material 11 when the portable device 10 is placedupon the receiving means 21. The measuring instrument may further bearranged to automatically start reading the information from theinformation unit 14 when the portable device 10 is placed upon thereceiving means 21.

[0087]FIG. 3 shows another, and more detailed, embodiment of a measuringinstrument according to the invention. What is shown is the casing 31 ofa spectral analysis instrument 30, including a receiving means in theform of a plate 32 for receiving and supporting a portable device with acontent to be analysed. The spectral analysis instrument 30 shown alsoincludes an RFID reader with an interface 33 for wirelessly readinginformation from an information unit of an inventive portable device.

[0088]FIG. 4 shows another, and more detailed, embodiment of a portabledevice 40 according to the invention. Here, the portable device 40 is inthe form of a cup 41 into which a reference or sample material may beput. If a material is to be contained in the cup 41 for a long time,which is usually the case when the material is a reference material, thecup 41 may be hermetically sealed by means of a lid (not shown). Ontothe cylindric wall of the cup 41, an RFID tag (or chip) 42 is attached.The RFID tag 42 contains a memory for storing of information regardingthe material in the cup 41.

[0089] In the case where the portable device is used forstandardization, the information stored in the memory of the informationunit (14 in FIG. 1 and 2 or 42 in FIG. 4) is about the referencematerial, a master measuring instrument, and measurements of thereference material on the master measuring instrument. Moreparticularly, the information comprises identification of both thereference material and the master measuring instrument, plus data aboutthe reference material collected by the master measuring instrumentduring measurement of the reference material by the master measuringinstrument.

[0090] The data about the reference material may be in the form of areference spectrum collected by the master measuring instrument. Thereference spectrum may be within the entire electromagnetic wavelengthrange, or preferably within the visible and infrared wavelengthinterval.

[0091] The information stored in the memory of the information unit mayalso comprise an expiry date of the reference material, and informationabout the temperature of the reference material during the measurementof it by the master measuring instrument.

[0092] Now, referring to the flow chart of FIG. 5, a method forstandardization of a satellite measuring instrument to a correspondingmaster measuring instrument will be described.

[0093] In step 1 of FIG. 5, a reference material, being contained in aportable device according to the invention, is measured on a mastermeasuring instrument.

[0094] In step 2, information identifying the master measuringinstrument, the reference material and the type of portable device istransmitted wirelessly from the master instrument, or from an externalcomputer connected to the master instrument, to the information unit ofthe portable device and stored in the memory comprised in theinformation unit. Further, the transmitted information includes theresult, in the form of reference spectral data, of the measurement ofthe reference material on the master instrument. In this step, fast andeasy storing of the information together with the reference material isprovided.

[0095] In step 3, the portable device is transported from the masterinstrument to a user of a satellite instrument and put onto thesatellite measuring instrument which is to be standardized. In thisstep, increased security of the transport and management of theinformation, which is to be used together with the reference materialfor standardization of the satellite measuring instrument, is provided.Since this standardization information is physically bound together withthe reference material in the portable device, the risk of choosing thewrong standardization information, or losing the information, is as goodas eliminated.

[0096] In step 4, the information stored in the information unit of theportable device is transmitted wirelessly to the satellite instrument.This step may be performed automatically when the portable device isplaced on the satellite instrument. By transmitting the informationwirelessly and automatically to the satellite instrument, the proceduregets quick and simple.

[0097] In step 5, the reference material contained in the portabledevice is measured by the satellite instrument. This step may also beperformed automatically when the portable device is placed on thesatellite instrument, and may thus be performed without delay.

[0098] In step 6, a standardization model is produced by the satelliteinstrument, or by an external computer connected to the satelliteinstrument, after comparison of the result from step 5 and the result,transmitted from the information unit of the portable device, from step1. The standardization model describes the difference between the resultobtained by measuring the reference material on the satellite instrumentand the corresponding result obtained by measuring the referencematerial on the master instrument.

[0099] In step 7, the standardization model that is produced, is storedin a data base either in the satellite instrument or in an externalcomputer connected to the satellite instrument. The standardizationmodel may be one amongst several stored in the satellite instrument orthe external computer connected to the instrument.

[0100] As used herein, “standardization” means to obtain, by measuring areference material on a satellite instrument, a standardization model,which may be used with routine measurements of samples of the same typein order to obtain a standardized spectrum. This means that thestandardized spectrum corresponds to the spectrum which would have beenobtained on the master measuring instrument. A standardization model isunique to the sample type and the master/satellite instrument pair.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 6, a portable device according to the inventionmay also be used for routine analysis of a sample material. In thiscase, the information stored in the memory of the information unit (14in FIG. 1 and 2 or 42 in FIG. 4) may include information of the type ofmaterial in the portable device. The information of the sample type istransferred to the satellite instrument or the external computerconnected to the instrument, and in turn used to identify the correctstandardization model to be applied to the spectrum of the routinesample.

[0102] The information of the sample type may also be used to identifythe correct prediction model, stored amongst several on the instrumentor the external computer connected to the instrument, to be used forconverting the standardised spectrum of the routine sample into ananalytical result.

[0103] Referring to the flow chart in FIG. 6, this method for obtaininga standardized result, when routinely measuring a sample material bymeans of a satellite measuring instrument, will be described stepwise.

[0104] As will be seen from the following described steps, correspondingadvantages with increased security and decreased delays, that werementioned in connection with the method for standardization according toFIG. 5, counts for the routine analysis according to FIG. 6.

[0105] In step 1 of FIG. 6, a sample material, contained in a portabledevice according to the invention, is measured on a satelliteinstrument. The measurement may start automatically when the portabledevice is placed on the satellite instrument.

[0106] In step 2, the identity of the sample type is transferredwirelessly from the memory of the information unit of the portabledevice to the satellite instrument or the external computer connected tothe satellite instrument. Additional information related to the sampleitself or the sample cup may also be transferred.

[0107] In step 3, the correct standardization model is selected, from adata base on the instrument or the external computer connected to theinstrument, by means of the identity of the sample type and applied tothe spectrum of the routine sample from step 1. Thereby, the spectrum iscorrected so that it is essentially identical to the spectrum that wouldhave been obtained by means of the master instrument.

[0108] In step 4, the identity of the sample type is used to select thecorrect prediction model, from the data base on the instrument or theexternal computer connected to the instrument. The selected predictionmodel is applied to the corrected spectrum in order to obtain thedesired analytical result for the sample material that is essentiallyidentical to the result that would have been obtained by means of themaster instrument.

[0109] A portable device according to the invention may either be usedfor standardization by means of a reference material contained in theportable device or for routine analysis of a sample material containedin the portable device.

[0110] Regardless of whether the portable device is used forstandardization or for routine analysis, the information stored in theinformation unit of the portable device may also include identificationof the type of the portable device, for example cup size,reflection/transmission characteristics etc.

[0111] Regardless of whether the portable device is used forstandardization or for routine analysis, the information unit of theportable device may also comprise a temperature sensor for sensing thetemperature in the vicinity of the reference or sample material duringmeasurement. The information unit may then be arranged to transmit thisinformation to the measuring instrument, or to an external computerconnected to the measuring instrument.

[0112] Even though this description of the present invention only hasconcerned its applicability to spectal analysis of materialcharacteristics, the invention may also be applicable to other types ofmeasurements of mechanical, chemical and optical characteristics. Theinventive portable device and measuring instrument may then be modifiedand adapted for the specific type of measurement. Also the specificinformation stored in the information unit of the inventive portabledevice may be adapted for other types of measurements. Examples of suchother types of measurements are chromatography, isotope analysis, imageanalysis and other types of electromagnetic waves analyses.

[0113] It is to be understood that modifications of the above-describedportable devices, measuring instruments and methods can be made bypeople skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

1. A portable device for standardization of a satellite measuringinstrument to a corresponding master measuring instrument, the devicecomprising a means for containing a reference material, and aninformation unit for storing information about the reference materialand about measurements of the reference material on the master measuringinstrument.
 2. A portable device according to claim 1, wherein saidinformation further is about said master measuring instrument.
 3. Aportable device according to claim 1, wherein said information unit isphysically attached to said means for containing said referencematerial.
 4. A portable device according to claim 1, wherein saidinformation unit comprises a storage means for storing said information.5. A portable device according to claim 1, wherein said information unitfurther comprises means for transmitting said information to saidsatellite measuring instrument.
 6. A portable device according to claim5, wherein said means for transmitting said information is arranged forwireless data transfer.
 7. A portable device according to claim 5,wherein said means for transmitting said information comprises a radiofrequency identifier.
 8. A portable device according to claim 1, whereinsaid information about the reference material comprises identificationof said reference material.
 9. A portable device according to claim 1,wherein said information about the reference material further comprisesan expiry date of said reference material.
 10. A portable deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said information about measurements of thereference material on the master instrument comprises a referencespectrum.
 11. A portable device according to claim 10, wherein saidreference spectrum is within the entire electromagnetic wavelengthrange.
 12. A portable device according to claim 10, wherein saidreference spectrum is within the visible and infrared wavelengthinterval.
 13. A portable device according to claim 10, wherein saidreference spectrum is measured by means of said master measuringinstrument being a visible and near infrared reflection measuringinstrument.
 14. A portable device according to claim 10, wherein saidreference spectrum is measured by means of said master measuringinstrument being a visible and near infrared transmission measuringinstrument.
 15. A portable device according to claim 1, wherein saidmeans for containing said reference material is hermetically sealable.16. A portable device according to claim 1, wherein said means forcontaining said reference material allows visible and near infraredreflection measurements of said reference material being contained insaid means for containing said reference material.
 17. A portable deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said means for containing said referencematerial allows visible and near infrared transmission measurements ofsaid reference material being contained in said means for containingsaid reference material.
 18. A measuring instrument for routinemeasurement of a sample material, comprising a receiving means forreceiving a sample container containing said sample material, a meansfor measuring said sample material when said sample container is locatedin said receiving means, and a means for reading information from aninformation unit of a portable device containing a reference materialwhen said portable device is located in said receiving means.
 19. Ameasuring instrument according to claim 18, wherein said means forreading information is arranged to read said information wirelessly. 20.A measuring instrument according to claim 18, wherein said informationis about said reference material and measurements of said referencematerial on a master measuring instrument corresponding to saidmeasuring instrument.
 21. A measuring instrument according to claim 20,wherein said information further is about said master measuringinstrument.
 22. A measuring instrument according to claim 18, whereinsaid means for measuring said sample material is arranged toautomatically start measuring on said reference material when saidportable device is located in said receiving means.
 23. A measuringinstrument according to claim 18, wherein said means for readinginformation from said information unit of said portable device isarranged to automatically start reading said information when saidportable device is located in said receiving means.
 24. A measuringinstrument according to claim 18, wherein said means for reading saidinformation comprises a radio frequency identification reader.
 25. Ameasuring instrument according to claim 18, wherein said measuringinstrument is a visible and near infrared reflection measuringinstrument.
 26. A measuring instrument according to claim 18, whereinsaid measuring instrument is a visible and near infrared transmissionmeasuring instrument.
 27. A method of managing information, obtained bymeans of a master measuring instrument, regarding a reference materialfor standardization of a satellite measuring instrument, comprisingstoring said information in an information unit which is a part of aportable device which also comprises a means for containing saidreference material, transporting said portable device from said mastermeasuring instrument to said satellite measuring instrument, andtransmitting said information from said information unit of saidportable device to said satellite measuring instrument.
 28. A method forstandardization of a satellite measuring instrument to a correspondingmaster measuring instrument, comprising measuring, by means of saidsatellite measuring instrument, a reference material being contained ina means for containing said reference material of a portable device,reading, by means of said satellite measuring instrument, informationabout a corresponding measurement, obtained by means of said mastermeasuring instrument, from an information unit which is a part of saidportable device, and producing and storing a standardization modeldescribing the difference between the result of said action of measuringsaid reference material and said corresponding measurement obtained bymeans of said master measuring instrument.
 29. A method according toclaim 28, wherein said producing and storing of said standardizationmodel is made in said satellite measuring instrument.
 30. A methodaccording to claim 28, wherein said reading of said information is madewirelessly.
 31. A method according to claim 28, wherein said informationfurther is about said reference material and said master measuringinstrument.
 32. A method according to claim 28, said method beingperformed by the help of an external computer.
 33. A method according toclaim 32, wherein said action of producing and storing saidstandardization model is performed by means of said external computer.34. A method according to claim 28, wherein said method is performedautomatically when said portable device is located in a receiving meansof said satellite measuring instrument.
 35. A method according to claim28, wherein said satellite measuring instrument is a visible and nearinfrared reflection measuring instrument.
 36. A method according toclaim 28, wherein said satellite measuring instrument is a visible andnear infrared transmission measuring instrument.
 37. A method forobtaining a standardized result when by routine measuring a samplematerial by means of a satellite measuring instrument, such that thedifference between said result and the result that would have beenobtained if the sample material had been measured by means of acorresponding master measuring instrument is minimized, comprisingmeasuring, by means of said satellite measuring instrument, said samplematerial being contained in a means for containing said sample materialof a portable device, reading, by means of said satellite measuringinstrument, information from an information unit, which is a part ofsaid portable device, wherein said information comprises information ofthe identity of the type of said sample material, selecting the correctstandardization model according to said information of the identity ofthe type of said sample material from amongst at least a fewstandardization models stored in at least one of the satelliteinstrument and an external computer connected to the satellite measuringinstrument, and applying said standardization model to the spectrum ofsaid sample material so that a standardized spectrum of said samplematerial is produced that is essentially identical to the spectrum thatwould have been obtained by means of said master measuring instrument.38. A method according to claim 37, wherein said reading of saidinformation is made wirelessly.
 39. A method according to claim 37,wherein said information of the identity of the type of said samplematerial further is used to select the correct prediction model fromamongst at least a few prediction models stored in at least one of saidsatellite measuring instrument and said external computer.
 40. A methodaccording to claim 39, further comprising applying said prediction modelto said standardized spectrum of said sample material in order to obtainthe desired analytical result for said sample material that isessentially identical to the result that would have been obtained bymeans of said master measuring instrument.
 41. A method according toclaim 37, wherein said method is performed automatically when saidportable device is located in a receiving means of said satellitemeasuring instrument.
 42. A method according to claim 37, wherein saidsatellite measuring instrument is a visible and near infrared reflectionmeasuring instrument.
 43. A method according to claim 37, wherein saidsatellite measuring instrument is a visible and near infraredtransmission measuring instrument.
 44. A cup for receiving andcontaining a material to analyse, said cup having attached to it a chipfor storing information about said material and for wirelesslytransmitting said information to a measurement instrument for measuringsaid material.